and then there were four

A Medley

2012-02-06T21:09:00.004-05:00

I rounded up some random videos from the past year. By themselves they aren't really blog worthy, but since this is my "scrapbook" I wanted them on here. These are the moments that make our days.

I Want To Do That Too

2012-02-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

Muscle Man

2012-02-02T23:15:00.003-05:00

18 Months Old Today

2012-02-01T16:17:00.000-05:00

What a joy you are our little Jack-a-roonski!

So I was trying to get Jack to smile, so I would have the same picture I have of Ryder on his year and a half bday. Jack wasn't really having it.

He was much more interested in seeing what his brother was doing.

So rolled with it.

I'm glad I did, too.

A Breakfast Mess

2012-01-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

Jack was eating his waffles and syrup so nicely the other day. Then I turned my back for literally a minute to wash a dish only to turn and find he had put his syrupy plate on his head and then styled his hair. Off to the bath we went.

I think he did it on purpose to get solo time in the tub. This was before I washed his hair. I think his hair looks cute. If only it were gel and not syrup.

Go Berries!

2012-01-30T09:51:00.000-05:00

We took Ryder to watch the Lady Berries win the NCC basketball championship game this past weekend. This picture says it all. The night included no brother to compete with, popcorn, sips of soda, high fiving Felix the Cat, staying up waaaay past his bedtime. When I asked him what his favorite part of the trip was on the way home, he said "Sitting with Susan" (his name for Grandma Susan). My boys are crazy about their grandparents.

On the way to Logan I was telling Ryder to say "Go Berries" whenever the team scored a basket. When we got there he kept saying "Go strawberries! Go blueberries!" Just a funny little thing I wanted to remember from the evening.

Brothers in the Bathtub

2012-01-29T16:36:00.002-05:00

Here We Go Again

2012-01-27T14:13:00.000-05:00

New Year's Day

2012

New Year's Eve

2008

Our first five kids have a lot of fun playing together. Can't wait to add three more to the bunch.

Ten New Little Fingers, Ten New Little Toes

2012-01-26T13:31:00.000-05:00

Our third little blessing will be joining our family in early August.

We couldn't be happier or crazier :)

EVERYTHING can be made into a train

2012-01-17T18:00:00.001-05:00

Remember when I said we were swimming in trains?

Snowmen

2012-01-16T12:48:00.002-05:00

Smile, Jack Jack

2012-01-12T14:22:00.001-05:00

Let's try this again.

Uggs are all the rage

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Spelunking

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Nothing quite like exploring a cave with your cool new flashlight

I think they are enjoying their Christmas presents

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

We got some major boy toys this Christmas. We are happily swimming in trains and tractors. Sometimes when you pick something out, you just can't imagine how much someone is going to enjoy the gift. I wish I could send you each a video of the boys playing the gift you got them. Thank you!

Ryder's nap spot of choice.

Jack wore his new lion bath towel for a good forty-five minutes this morning.

Happy Birthday, Kylee!

2012-01-05T08:50:00.000-05:00

The seasons of birthdays has begun for our family. Can you tell by Ryder's face? First off, Kylee Marie.

Things I love about this video...

1. From the look on Jack's face, I think he believes we are singing to him.

2. Ryder's falsetto ending (and the fact that he is singing with us at all)

3. If you listen carefully, you can hear Jack wish Kylee a happy birthday at the end (right before Ryder screams "Eat now?"

"SIGH"

2012-01-04T10:13:00.001-05:00

a fire truck

a window pane

a two and half year old

With two boys I figured a broken window was in our future at some point, but now just seems a little too early. Maybe we just got it out of the way early. For now there's a card board box in place of the pane. Classy, I know.

My Four Christmas Pictures

2011-12-30T08:09:00.000-05:00

just don't do our Christmas celebrations justice, but I got lost in the moment and forgot to be diligent about pictures. Ryder finally got the excitement of everything this year, and it just made it the best.

He likes to climb EVERYTHING now.

Finally found a game he has the attention span for. It makes my game loving heart happy.

A toddler version of the hamster wheel

When did he get so big?

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-23T09:56:00.000-05:00

The making of the Gingerbread House

All wrapped and ready to go look at Christmas lights

This house had its lights synched to a few songs. Ryder was mesmerized my it.

Going Fishin'

2011-12-17T21:14:00.001-05:00

Aren't Daddies the best.

Sickness

2011-12-14T22:28:00.001-05:00

Well, our first stomach bug has hit Ryder. Here he is fast asleep next to me. I'm on the couch, he's on a made up bed on the floor. He thinks it's pretty cool to sleep next downstairs. That and the fact that he got to stay up later watching his "moodees". Oh yeah, and his first taste of Sprite. When he first tried it, he made a funny face. I assume from the carbonation. Then immediately laughed and said yummy. Brandon joked that he's going to want to be sick more often. Let's hope not. Here's to a speedy recovery.

Joint Punishment

2011-12-11T15:33:00.001-05:00

If I send Ryder to the corner because he's in trouble, Jack waddles over and stands in a corner(or maybe a wall) too. If Ryder is crying, Jack will mimic the sound. So sweet. Jack sure does love Ryder.

Staying the Whole Night at Aunt Kylee's

2011-12-09T13:09:00.001-05:00

Whenever Ryder gets to spend the night somewhere he says "Ryder going to stay whole night" thus the title of this post. From the looks of the pictures Kylee took, I can see why he likes spending the night away from home.

Making cookies

Buying time watching a Christmas classic

And finally, eating.

Randoms

2011-12-08T12:12:00.001-05:00

Jack loves to hoard sippy cups. What's better than one milk, two!

Fresh up from his nap.

Jack's new crooked smile. It's the cutest. Excuse the bruise on the forehead and the scrape on the nose. Sigh. Life with boys.

It's hard to tell because of my camera flash, but Ryder is hanging out under his fort with a fake candle for some ambiance.

Jack mastering the fake smile.

Spinning: Now and Then

2011-12-06T08:53:00.001-05:00

Remember this just a few months ago.
Notice Ryder saying over and over again that he isn't going to the doctor. He doesn't stop until you repeat what he says. This happens multiple times an hour in our house.

How to Appropriately Celebrate Making a Basket

2011-12-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

This video is from a few months ago, but I finally got it off of my sister's IPhone. It was too good not to post.

Spencer Park

2011-11-26T16:50:00.000-05:00

Brandon was climbing up the ladder after Ryder. Ryder said "I'll help you, Daddy" and offered his hand to Brandon.

First Parade

2011-11-25T16:44:00.000-05:00

Light Up Logansport Parade

Turkey Tour 2011

2011-11-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

We had the pleasure of attending three Thanksgivings and hosting one in our home. This year I am most thankful for my boys' budding friendship. I caught them holding hands and giggling with each other on our drive to a dinner on Thanksgiving day.

***I'm so behind on blogging. I'm going to back date a few posts for a few days.

The Play Place

2011-11-21T23:01:00.001-05:00

We went to Chic-fil-A the other day to burn some energy. After tiring of playing with the shoes that must be removed before entering the play area, Jack watched Ryder to learn the ropes of how things go.

With some encouragement from me Ryder helped Jack climb up the ladder.

Jack played for a good twenty minutes up in all the tunnels, but there was no way he was coming down the big slide alone. After much pleading from me for him to come down, I finally made my way up the slide to rescue him. Here he is begging me to help him.

Ryder had no problem entertaining himself while I tended to Jack.

Bedtime Story

2011-11-17T21:51:00.001-05:00

Seriously?

2011-11-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

Just a few ways I've found Ryder lately...

(watching Dinosaur Train)

(taking a nap in the bath tub with Aunt Kylee as his pillow)

((she can't say no to him))

(visiting Owen's house)

Ryder's First Ever Picture

2011-11-16T08:23:00.000-05:00

Not bad, huh?

Nothing Like a Cold Milk After a Nap

2011-11-15T20:09:00.001-05:00

We're Not Spoiled or Anything

2011-11-12T11:20:00.001-05:00

Taking a Break

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-05:00

from moving.

Ryder thought his tiger needed a break too.

Jack vs. The Wind

2011-11-10T11:32:00.000-05:00

Our puddle jumping experience was enhanced by the crazy wind yesterday. It was all Jack could do to keep from blowing backwards at times. He never did though. I chalked it up to an exercise in balance.

I caught the above picture right as a big gust came. Check out Jack. I zoomed in so you can see him better. Heehee.

Fighting the wind

So thankful for these warm November days.

Puddle Jumping

2011-11-09T20:48:00.005-05:00

An eraser, two toothpicks and a few Cheerios

2011-11-04T21:19:00.002-04:00

I saw this awesome idea on Pinterest (oh, how I love Pinterest). This game held Ryder's attention for a good ten minutes. That never happens. Any mother of small children should try this.

Look how proud he is.

Jack on the other hand needs no help finding things to do.

The Night Night Game

2011-11-03T21:23:00.000-04:00

Ryder's favorite game is still pretending to go to sleep. He must have a "blanket and pillow". It can get pretty interesting with imagination of a two year old.

Even a bike will do!

And for the sake of not leaving the second born out, here is Jack helping us clear some brush in Aunt Kylee's new backyard.

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T23:33:00.000-04:00

Who wants to decorate cookies?

Ryder does.

I kept Jack happy by offering him a cookie to eat. One toddler boy with a container of sprinkles is enough for me.

I iced, and Ryder selected the type of sprinkles and decorated a cookie for everyone we were going to see that evening.

Jack ate three cookies in the meantime.

This is what happened when I went to get the other batch of cookies out of the oven. The whole process aged me a few years, but I tried to stifle my desire for order for the sake of making memories.

Orange sprinkles for Grandma Susan. Jack cheered Ryder on the whole time.

I'm pretty sure the best part for Ryder was eating the fallen sprinkles off the table after each cookie was decorated.

I finally let Jack have a try. He immediately put the sprinkles right on top of the cookie. Thankfully, the icing jammed the hole and no sprinkles could come out. I quickly traded him a cookie to eat for the sprinkles.

Ten cookies decorated and an hour to clean up the mess. :)

Ryder was really proud when he handed them to the people he made them for.

Here are the two pictures I got of the boys in their costumes. They took their costumes seriously and acted just like wild animals. Whew! I was flying solo (poor Brandon had to work late) and exhausted by nights end.

They were exhausted too.

We had a ton of fun and ate waaaaaaaaaaaay too much candy.

Hide and Seek

2011-10-30T20:49:00.000-04:00

No Fair Weather Fans In This House

2011-10-30T20:46:00.000-04:00

We got our camera back!

2011-10-29T09:13:00.003-04:00

I'm way too attached to my camera. It feels sooooo good to have it back. I was taking a few pictures yesterday, and Ryder said he wanted to get his camera too. So we took pictures of each other.

A Walker and a Talker

2011-10-28T17:56:00.000-04:00

This little guy is now toddling around saying milk, nigh-nigh and about fifteen other words. Where did time go?

I painted a chalkboard on the back of the boy's door.

2011-10-26T20:55:00.000-04:00

I think they like it.

Tag Along

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

We've been going on a lot more walks now that both boys are walkers. Even though they are usually no less than twenty feet apart, both Jack and Ryder think its so funny that Jack is walking. They are going to have a lot of fun when they can both run at the same speed.

Random Funnies

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

And we're back! I'm borrowing a camera, so I'm hoping to be posting more frequently again. Here are random pictures that I find hilarious. These boys are such a joy to me.

Knock, knock. I can't even tell you why Jack is naked on our front porch. I'm sure at the time the picture was taken it made more sense, but right now this picture just cracks me up because its so random.

"Steak, please!" No babies were hurt in the taking of this picture.

Accessories make the outfit. If you've spent anytime around Jack you know he's a shoe lover. Here are the sandals he insisted on wearing over his pajamas.

Poker Face. Nothing like wearing a sock cap and spinning poker chips for a good time.

Lil' Zoo Boo

2011-10-23T20:19:00.001-04:00

Our visit was short but sweet. The boys are so yummy in their Halloween costumes.

The Penn Farm

2011-10-16T10:24:00.004-04:00

Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Robert invited us out to their farm to pick pumpkins. You would have thought Ryder found a pot of gold everytime he spotted a pumpkin.

Then we got a peek at the barn filled with tractors a.k.a. Heaven On Earth for Ryder.

There wasn't a button left unpushed by the time we left.

Jack got in some walking practice.

Just an FYI, my camera is broken so posts will be few and far between until it gets fixed. Sorry!

The Apple Festival 2011

2011-10-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

Some pictures from last Saturday's adventures to Niles, MI Apple Festival.

Ryder was a little shy about riding with kids he didn't know. He didn't smile the entire ride.

A little drive home entertainment.

Ryder touches my laptop screen to get things to move like it's an Iphone. Keyboards are so 2000s.

You've Got Mail

2011-10-04T21:21:00.000-04:00

Ryder is finally old enough to really appreciate when mail arrives for him. It was beyond cute today when he and Jack both received Halloween cards from Aunt Lisa and Uncle Bill.

Sorry Jack is in the way, but look at Ryder tossing the envelope aside in order to get to the good stuff.

He has been talking/ playing/ showing his card off non-stop.

Aunt Lisa and UB,

Thanks for thinking of us. We loved your cards.

Love,

Ryder and Jack

First Steps

2011-10-03T22:09:00.000-04:00

Despite many attempts to coerce and bribe Jack into taking a step, I have for the most part been unsuccessful. Then all of a sudden today, I notice him taking steps all over the place. In true Jack fashion he did it on his own time. He isn't standing up on his own yet. He just takes a few steps if you stand him up. Brandon was busy fixing our closet, so we joined him in the closet to show off Jack's new trick. Thus the clothes you see in the video.

Two and a half

2011-09-30T17:02:00.000-04:00

Love this kid!

What a difference a year makes.

I didn't like the fake smile in the first picture, so I asked him for another picture. Here is what I got. I think it sums up my two and a half year old pretty well.

Ryder's First Trip to the Dentist

2011-09-26T21:48:00.004-04:00

Walking in to find cartoons on the TV in the waiting room was relaxing for Ryder. The nurse called his name. He gripped my finger and wouldn't let go as we walked back to the exam room. He wasn't too sure about the big blue chair until I gave him a little reading material. His grip on the armrests never loosened. Despite fear that made his little chin quiver, he still held still and let the dentist put a metal object in his mouth and poke at his teeth. I was so proud of him. His teeth checked out fine, all nineteen of them. His last baby tooth is about to break through his already crowded mouth. Looks like he'll follow in our footsteps with braces.

We went to the nicest park in town and

2011-09-25T15:39:00.000-04:00

my boys wanted to play in the dirt.

and watch the bugs. Oh, boys!

And so it begins...

2011-09-24T15:26:00.000-04:00

Our Weekend

2011-09-19T11:44:00.001-04:00

Don't let the small number of photos from the weekend fool you. It was full of fun and friends. While I'm wishing summer would choose to stick around, there is something very special about sunny fall days.

We went to the Art Festival in Logansport to watch Grandpa Al play. Jack thoroughly enjoyed riding in the stroller basket. He even snuck in a little nap.

This is our view from the front seat while our sweet ones sleep in the back.

Finally, Ryder got to see the chipper in action. He has been waiting quite a while to see this thing up and running.

FYI: Jack doesn't like ninjas

2011-09-13T23:26:00.000-04:00

Someone's Been Watching Their Allergy Suffering Parents a Little Too Closely

2011-09-12T22:36:00.001-04:00

No, Please

2011-09-10T11:45:00.001-04:00

also known as

No, thank you.

At least he's polite even if it is not the correct phrase.

(Please excuse the oatmeal all over his face. We're working on that.)

Learning To Use a Spoon Is a Messy Business

2011-09-09T11:41:00.000-04:00

Jack eats so much better when he gets to feed himself. And even better when he gets to feed himself with a fork or spoon.

It is just soooo messy.

But they have to learn sometime. And truthfully, Ryder is much cleaner when using a spoon. :)

The Aftermath

It's Getting Out of Hand

2011-09-08T11:27:00.000-04:00

It started out with Buzz and Woody. Now Ryder prefers to sleep with Buzz, Woody, bunny, "roar" (the lion), Barkley (the dog), App (the alligator) {Don't ask me how he came up with that one???}, Udder App (the other alligator), Ball (the orange fuzzy ball), Bad to the Bone (the red fuzzy ball) {It's a long story how he came up with that one} and Ah Ah (the monkey). He can either be hanging above or

snuggled tightly in Ryder's arms.

And he must be covered up with blanket his train blanket with the trains facing up. Thankfully, Ryder doesn't mind if his night time friends stay at home when we travel. We might have to get storage above our car if they all had to come with us.

Sweatshirts, Leaves and 60 degrees

2011-09-06T16:02:00.000-04:00

These aren't exactly things that I had dreamed about during my last summer hurrah, but we made the most of them and had a blast.

Jack played on this tractor for forty minutes straight. I'm thinking of hiring it as a babysitter.

Last Days of Summer

2011-09-03T18:08:00.004-04:00

My goal for our four day Labor Day holiday is to jam as much summer fun into them as possible. Here's our first stop was Silver Beach. Oh, how I will miss this place. Already looking forward to our visits next summer.

Jack wasn't happy that I was standing in front of him to take a picture. He had to look around to see the water.

We built him his own personal water hole.

Which he loved.

Then Ryder invaded.

And eventually, took over.

So we buried him in the sand to keep him still.

Wrapped up and ready to go.

Jack is still mesmerized by the water.

Happy, Happy Saturday!

2011-09-03T16:42:00.000-04:00

We are enjoying our long weekend.

Are you?

Ryder's First Purchase

2011-09-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Ryder was quite enamored with this spider at the store the other day. Thus far the toys at stores are the store's toys, and we must leave them there. But he was loving this spider. So I told him that his Uncle Bill and Aunt Lisa sent him some money for Halloween last year, and he could use it to buy it. You can now find "Itsy, Bitsy" at our house. I must say it is anything but itsy or bitsy.

(Thanks too for the beautiful rug, Uncle Bill and Aunt Lisa. We love it. You guys have great taste.)

Smile! You're On Candid Camera

2011-09-01T17:18:00.001-04:00

Alternately titled:

"Sometimes I let my kids do something they shouldn't just long enough to run and get my camera and take a picture"

Not exactly sure how Jack got in the basket, but he was enjoying himself.

Isn't this how you watch your favorite show?

I'm not even kidding when I say that not only was he standing in Ryder's potty (which was clean, thankfully), he was munching on the toilet paper.

Picture Slacker

2011-08-29T15:59:00.002-04:00

Sorry. I've been a picture slacker lately. I do have this little gem that Brandon actually took this weekend. Enjoy. I'll try to be better the next few days.

Jack's Learns to Go Down the Stairs

2011-08-25T16:21:00.001-04:00

(with Momma always close by, of course)

Thankfully, he only goes down two or three before climbing back up them is oh so tempting that he can't resist.

Who Wants To Play In the Sprinkler?

2011-08-22T21:23:00.000-04:00

ME!

and ME!

Soaking Up What's Left of Summer

2011-08-21T22:12:00.000-04:00

After the boys woke up from their naps, I suggested we head up to Silver Beach for the evening. I'm so glad we did even if drive time was as long as the amount of time we were at the beach. The boys were precious in the water.

Jack just played in the shallow end most of the time. Crawling and crawling until a wave would crash into him and cause him to sit up and catch his breath.

Then he'd just splish and splash.

And wait for the next wave to come.

Ryder loves everything about the sand. It's almost like he doesn't realize there is a huge lake right in front of him because he can't see past ALL THE SAND.

But then he saw the water and off he went. I so wish I could have caught a short video of him doing the Baywatch Run into the water that Brandon taught him. He even counts to three before taking off.

This beach is really shallow for a long ways out, so Ryder kept inching his way further and further out trying to find bigger waves to jump.

Jack even ventured out a little deeper with Brandon before we headed home.

On the walk to the car there was this statue of two kids. Jack was enthralled by it.

The Accessories Really Make an Outfit

2011-08-20T21:53:00.000-04:00

Safety first. Always were a hard hat when dealing with heavy machinery.

Not really sure where Ryder found Brandon's lawn gloves, but as soon as he did he started running full speed around the house with the lawn mower. It was a little hard to catch a picture of him due to the speed at which he was running.

I actually put the tool belt on him because he was having a hard time carrying all his tools downstairs to help me put together a table.

And just so he's not left out. Here's the little cute guy.

I think the swing box is about ready to meet the recycling bin. But he has been very good to us and taken a lot of abuse from the fellas.

(Snapshot) Ryder 28.5 months

2011-08-19T11:39:00.001-04:00

Today walking through the store you asked "Mama, what's this?" at least five times in every aisle and then repeated whatever I would say. You are in what they call a "language explosion". It is so amazing to see you learning so many new things. I can't read enough books to you to satisfy your desire. You even "read" books on your own now. You are counting now too. Five, six and seven really give you trouble though. So most of the time you just leave them out. When you play your instruments, you are sure to always bob your head. Everything is fixable as long as you have your tool set which is good because you have a problem with throwing things. And best of all, after two years of being pretty independent, you are pretty attached to me. Which I absolutely adore.

(Snapshot) Jack 12.5 months

2011-08-18T11:21:00.000-04:00

Brandon stumbled upon an old picture of Ryder when Ryder was the same age as Jack is now. I can hardly remember Ryder at a little over a year old. Thank goodness for this blog and the pictures we have. I am making more of a point to etch in my mind this sweet stage with Jack.

Jack (12.5 months)

You love love love to walk while holding my fingers. When you aren't holding my fingers, you usually have yours in your mouth. Today you learned to drink from a straw. And you open your mouth as wide as you can when you give kisses. When we tell you to say goodnight, you blow kisses. You are obsessed with toothbrushes. Despite the fact that you are no where near walking, today you managed to climb onto our living room chair. When you hear music you sway and flap your arms as fast as you can. You know what you want and what you don't want, and you are sure to let everyone know. At night when we tuck you in, you snuggle your blanket and zebra. It is the cutest thing. Nothing makes you smile more than accomplishing something. You get the proudest look on your face with each accomplishment. I can't wait to see your face when you discover you can walk all by yourself.

While Momma's Away

2011-08-17T15:38:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday my mom, my sister and I had a girl's day. They came to pick me up in the morning. Ryder was beyond excited to have visitors. He was equally as disappointed when he realized the visitors were leaving and taking his mom with them. Tears ensued. I couldn't get him to calm down. I was telling him all the fun things he was going to do with Daddy. Nothing. Then I mentioned that he could help Daddy put together our new swing. Immediately he stopped crying and started laughing with excitement. I put him down, he said bye and he ran to get his tools.

Whenever Brandon is using his tools for something around the house, Ryder will go get his own tool to match.

Brandon did say that as soon as the box was empty, he lost his helper. As much as Ryder loves to use his tools nothing competes with a big, empty box. And that big, empty box is still being enjoyed.

Maybe They'll Start A Band

2011-08-16T08:28:00.002-04:00

If You Give a Boy a Pot of Water

2011-08-12T23:23:00.000-04:00

He'll dip his fingers in.

Then his hand.

Then he'll have to get the rag wet.

Then he'll get himself wet.

Then little brother will have to get in too.

Then it's just a pool party.

Cows, Corn and Tractors

2011-08-11T20:29:00.000-04:00

It's country living at it's best.

Call Me Carol Brady

2011-08-10T22:04:00.000-04:00

My nieces and nephew came to stay with us for a couple nights. You're seeing that right: 3 boys and 3 girls. We played Brady Bunch for a little while, and it was fun.

Plus, I made them earn their keep.

BTW, Elania Pfaff is my hero. :)

Jack's Birthday Party

2011-08-09T23:22:00.000-04:00

We had a little family party for Jack-Jack this past Sunday. It was pretty simple: pizza, cupcakes and water games. But I just had the best time. I'm so thankful for our two little boys and being with able to celebrate them with our family is just the best. Here are some of the highlights.

Quite the Cute One Year Old

2011-08-07T17:03:00.000-04:00

Cousins

2011-08-06T16:56:00.003-04:00

We had the pleasure of hosting our cousins, Georgia and August, for four days. Lots of fun was had, and it was nice to have extra people to love on the boys.

Being Silly

2011-08-05T09:14:00.000-04:00

A Few Hours at the Beach

2011-08-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

Playing in the sand

Both of them were fearless in the water. Which is both great and scary at the same time.

Ryder playing in the waves

Animal cracker break

Then back to walking

and playing in the sand.

I Thought My Mom Was the Best Gift Receiver Ever....Until

2011-08-03T14:37:00.000-04:00

My mom can make socks seem like the best present ever given. Then I saw Jack open his first birthday present. (Notice how Ryder is waiting so patiently even though he is dying to help open.)

Seriously, look at this face! That's happiness.

He even shared with Ryder.

How Jack Spent His First Birthday

2011-08-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

First thing in the morning and ready to start the day.

Special birthday breakfast with just Mommy and Daddy.

Brandon headed off to bed while Jack and I headed to Grammy's where they had decorated the house.

Then we went for Jack's one year pictures (which were a bust) and then to the mall for some fun.

Then he opened his water table from Grammy and Papa which was a big hit.

We sang Happy Birthday to Jack. He LOVED eating the cake

To round out the day, we headed to the pool behind our house. The water was the perfect temperature. Cousins Georgia and August stayed the night with us, so it was literally a party from the time he got up to the time he went to bed.

I hope that you enjoyed your special day, Jack-Jack. You are so loved.

Happy Birthday, Jack William

2011-08-01T22:48:00.004-04:00

What Jack has been up to this month...

*Walking when he is holding someone's finger

*Transitioning to whole milk

*Obsessing over water- he loves, loves, loves to swim

*Climbing the slide (I had to move it outside for his safety)

*Attending his first County Fair

*Starting to throw tantrums

*Getting happier and smilier

*"Talking" to Ryder
*Repeating after you when you say words (except Momma, grrrr)

12 Months

11 Months

10 months

9 months

8 months

7 months

6 months

5 months

4 months

3 months

2 months

1 month

Here are both boys for comparison:
Jack

Ryder

Pleased As Punch

2011-07-31T08:59:00.000-04:00

at their own orneriness. In the ten minutes they have been playing so far they have tipped over all their big toys and ~~trashed~~ rearranged their playroom. And look how happy it makes them.

Just For Fun

2011-07-29T00:06:00.000-04:00

Since I got so many comments about Jack looking like Ryder in the picture below, I thought I would get a picture of Ryder for you to compare. Plus I might have not taken a picture of the boys in three days. It's a blog sin, I know.

Jack

Ryder

From the day he was born all I hear is how much Ryder looks like Brandon. But to me he just looks like Ryder. I see some of Brandon in him and some of me, but mostly I think he has his own look. Then I saw this picture. Man oh man, this looks like Brandon.

Forget Puppies!

2011-07-27T19:31:00.000-04:00

A baby in your bag is the way to go.

Although it doesn't appear so, Jack was having fun.

Kiss the Baby Toys Goodbye

2011-07-25T10:11:00.000-04:00

This guy is ready for big boy toys.

(He can get in this on his own now and make it go with his feet)

Elkhart Co Fair: The Second Time Around

2011-07-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

Jack was waving hi to all the animals and the people.

Ryder was mooing at the cows.

Here's a flashback from our first visit to the fair back in July 2009. (Look how little he is)

He really liked the pigs.

This little pony was pretty cute too.

We just looked at all the rides since they were too short. Well, we could have taken Ryder on the big slide for $10. No joke. $10 for one ride on the slide. Ha!

Playing in the Pool

2011-07-23T16:24:00.000-04:00

Chillin' Out

2011-07-20T16:37:00.001-04:00

We've been taking it easy the past few days. Trying to stay nice and cool in the house. These next two pictures of Jack depict the past two days pretty well.

And Ryder is at it again.

I walked into the playroom to find Jack all by himself doing this:

Oh, I love this kid!

Zoo Pics

2011-07-18T10:58:00.000-04:00

Check out Ryder's roar

Best view in the zoo

Our personal favorite, the otter exhibit.

(who knew otters were so fun to watch?)

Ryder's Harmonica Debut

2011-07-17T16:13:00.000-04:00

I Forgot About This Stage

2011-07-16T11:58:00.000-04:00

You know, getting into EVERYTHING and throwing it on the floor stage.

Good thing he's cute.

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2011-07-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Tractors and army men

Jungle safaris

No fear of anything at the park

and then there is this.